Generation of selenium-enriched rice with enhanced grain yield, selenium content and bioavailability through fertilisation with selenite.

To fulfill the natural human needs of selenium, selenium biofortification has been carried out in rice (Oryza sativa) in recent years. Despite some improvements have been made, the increase of selenium content in rice was still limited and a large amount of fertilisers are often required, which may cause environmental pullution. In this study, we further improved the selenium biofortification of rice by using less selenium fertilisers (10.5 g selenium/hectare) whereas, largely increasing selenium content in rice grains (up to 51 times vs. control). Furthermore, selenium speciation analysis, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the selenium bioaccessibility and bioavailability in selenium-enriched rice grains. The major selenium species found were readily absorbable selenomethionine. Meanwhile, the selenium-enriched rice grains have significantly higher antioxidant bioactivities. In conclusion, this selenium-enriched rice has enormous potential for selenium supplementation in humans.